Preston has many older weatherboard and brick homes plus shopfronts where pre-1990 eaves, backing boards and vinyl flooring can still hide asbestos—especially before a kitchen, bathroom or extension starts.
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We visually assess walls, ceilings, wet-area linings, old heater surrounds and other common pre-1990 materials. This matters because internal works (like removing splashbacks or replacing cornices) can disturb suspect sheeting or backing boards without warning.
We look for older vinyl tiles/sheet vinyl and related underlay or black mastic-style adhesives that may indicate asbestos. This is critical if you’re planning to lift floors in Preston homes, where older coverings may be layered under newer floating floors or carpet.
We inspect accessible eaves, soffits, external cladding and other cement sheet products for visual indicators and condition issues (cracking, flaking paint, impact damage). External materials are often disturbed during repainting, gutter work or roofline repairs.
We check carports, sheds, fences and garage walls/ceilings where older cement sheet was frequently used. These areas are commonly DIY-renovated, and drilling or removing panels can create an avoidable exposure risk.
We document whether each suspect material appears sealed and stable or shows deterioration. This helps you prioritise controls—monitor, encapsulate, restrict access, or plan licensed removal—based on the actual condition, not just the material type.
A visual survey identifies suspect ACMs without destructive testing. Where confirmation is necessary, we outline safe pathways (such as engaging appropriate sampling and lab analysis) so you don’t make renovation decisions based on assumptions.
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Get Visual Asbestos Survey as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Preston, suspect asbestos is often found in pre-1990 cement sheet products such as eaves/soffits, wet-area wall linings, older external cladding, and garage or shed panels. Older vinyl flooring and some backing boards behind tiles or splashbacks can also be suspect. A Visual Asbestos Survey focuses on identifying these typical locations and noting the condition, so you can manage risk before any renovation or repair work.
No. A visual survey identifies materials that look consistent with asbestos-containing products based on age and appearance, but it can’t confirm asbestos definitively. Confirmation requires sampling and laboratory analysis. The value of a visual survey is early risk identification and planning—knowing what to treat as suspect, where to avoid disturbance, and when to organise appropriate testing or licensed removal before work starts.
Yes. Small renovations often disturb high-risk locations such as wall linings behind tiles, backing boards, old floor coverings, and service penetrations. Even minor tasks like removing a splashback, cutting a new exhaust opening, or lifting old vinyl can release fibres if materials are asbestos-containing. A Visual Asbestos Survey helps you identify suspect areas upfront so you can adjust the scope, controls, or removal approach before trades begin.
Yes. Many Preston properties have had partial upgrades over time, which can leave older materials in place behind new finishes. For example, new cabinetry may be installed over older wall linings, or floating floors laid over earlier vinyl. External areas like eaves, sheds and fences are also commonly untouched. A visual survey helps identify what may still be original and suspect, even if parts of the home look modern.
If a suspect material appears damaged, the priority is to avoid disturbance and limit access to that area. Do not sand, drill, cut or remove it yourself. Depending on location and condition, the safest next step may be encapsulation, repair by appropriately qualified professionals, or engagement of a licensed asbestos removalist. We’ll explain practical options based on what’s observed so you can act quickly and safely.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections will identify likely asbestos-containing materials in your pre-1990 Preston property and explain the safest next steps before you renovate or manage works. Call 0413 163 187.